Next Monday (1st November) sees the start of a new era for Northmavine with two new local development workers taking up their posts.

Pat Christie and Karl Bond have been given the task of helping the local community regenerate the area as part of the three year Initiative at the Edge (IatE) programme, which Northmavine joined in April this year.

Being designated within IatE gives Northmavine priority status among local and national development agencies such as Shetland Enterprise, Shetland Islands Council, the Crofters Commission and Communities Scotland, all supported by the Scottish Executive.

Pat said: "It is very exciting to be involved in this initiative and we are both looking forward to getting started.  Together, Karl and I hope to support the Northmavine community create, develop and take forward an action plan for the regeneration of the area.

"From the 1st November people can contact us to discuss any ideas they have in detail."

The 841 population of Northmavine is located around the four main settlement areas of Hillswick; Ollaberry; North Roe and Sullom.

The district has a lack of community facilities and services and has seen population decline quicken in recent years.  However, the population has a good community spirit with high levels of voluntary activity, so with the additional help of IatE and the new development officers it is hoped Northmavine can be revitalised both socially and economically.

Sarah Dell, a development manager with Shetland Enterprise said: "We hope IatE will help the community to become more aware of the issues facing it and help create a community focus for the regeneration of the area.

"IatE is community led and driven so having these two new development officers in post to help the community to identify possible solutions to problems by supporting project development and identifying and securing funding with a co-ordinated approach is vital."

Chair of the Northmavine Development Group, Margaret Roberts explained: "Since achieving Initiative at the Edge status in April, we have focused our efforts in two areas.

"The first has been in establishing and constituting the Local Development Group, which is made up of enthusiastic and committed volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds, experience, age groups and communities.

"The second has been a recruitment drive for the IatE-funded post of local development worker.  After a thorough process, we are delighted to welcome Pat and Karl on board our community team on a job-share basis.  Each brings different and complementary skills to the post, and by working in partnership, will enable us to deliver some real benefits for Northmavine. 

"The project really starts here, with extensive community consultation through the winter period, culminating in the production and launch of the Northmavine Development Plan in the spring. Watch this space..."
 
Further information about Initiative at the Edge and areas that have been involved in the programme in the past is available at www.initiative-at-the-edge.org.uk